The first semiannual meeting of 2006 of the Special Advisory Commission of Senior Citizens was convened on Thursday, May 11, 2006, at 1:00 PM, at the Capital Plaza Hotel, in Frankfort. Bert Sisk, Chair, called the meeting to order.
Present were:
Members: Bert Sisk, Chair; Frances Baccus, Mabel Ballinger, Mary Barlow, Anna Birch, J. T. Boling, Ruth Bryant, Aaron Cardwell, Peggy Chadwick, Velma Childers, Maxine Cummins, Bertha Daniels, Leon Dodge, Joe Doebler, Rowena Emerson, Doris Engle, Jack Eversole, Finnell Fields, Ed Flanagan, Jane Fugate, Rufus Fugate, Margaret Gilland, Dell Hall, Gloria Hall, Frank Hatfield, Edna Hawkins, Bobby Hazen, Faye Hensley, Jim Heth, Eleanor Holbrook, Carolyn Horn, Betty Huff, James Huff, Phil Hulsman, Bobby Humes, Argene Jones, Lee King, Gayle Lawson, Nancy Linville, Phillip Martin, Pete McNeill, Denver Moore, Jack Niece, Vivian Niece, Elmer Olson, Kenneth Overhults, Norman Pallarito, Joy Payne, Jean Phelps, Nancy Purvis, Stanley Ramey, Lillian Rice, Clarence Richardson, Jeane Robertson, Mary Robertson, Ray Roundtree, LaVerne Ryan, John Schreiber, John Searcy, Clayton Shannon, Martha Shircliffe, Delma Smith, Fred Smith, Martha Smith, Paul Steenbergen, Donald Stethen, Pat Sutton, Ernest Taylor, Jim Terrell, Claude Tiller, Mary Trimble, Laurel True, Joan Veazey, Joe Wahlen, and Lillian Wheeler.
Guests: Mark Birdwhistell, Secretary, Cabinet for Health and Family Services; Bill Cooper, Director, Division of Aging Services, Cabinet for Health and Human Services; Representative Derrick Graham; Representative Jimmie Lee; Jo Nell Lee; Representative Charlie Siler; and Greg Stumbo, Attorney General.
LRC Staff: Katie Carney, Eric Clark, Janice Clark, Gerard Donovan, Gilmore Dutton, Matt Ellis, Sally Everman, Rhonda Franklin, Miriam Fordham, Jeff Fossett, Linda Hughes, JoAnn Paulin, Charlotte Quarles, Jim Roberts, Cindy Smith, and Ellen Steinberg.
Chairman Sisk welcomed everyone to the Commission’s first semiannual meeting for 2006, the 29th year of the founding of the Special Advisory Commission of Senior Citizens. Chairman Sisk expressed his hope that everyone had a safe and pleasant trip from their home to Frankfort.
Chairman Sisk stated that this meeting is the first meeting of the two-year term of office for the Commission and Subcommittee officers. He announced that elections for the Commission Chair and Vice Chair would be held during the afternoon’s General Session, and that elections for Subcommittee Chair and Vice Chair, and Nominating Committee member would be held during the respective subcommittee meetings. Chairman Sisk announced that the Regional Coordinating Committees would meet after the General Session. He then introduced those seated at the head table: Mr. Fred Smith, Chairman of the Nominating Committee; Mr. Laurel True, Vice Chairman of the Commission; and Mr. Gilmore Dutton, Commission Staff Coordinator.
Chairman Sisk informed members that a copy of the minutes of the Commission’s meeting on November 3-4, 2005, was in their folders. He asked members to review the minutes for any changes. Chairman Sisk asked for a motion to adopt the minutes as presented. A motion was made and seconded, and the minutes were adopted.
Chairman Sisk announced that two members had passed away since the Commission’s last meeting, Mr. Virgil Gilliam and Mr. Raymond Osborn. Mr. Gilliam passed away on December 1, 2005 and Mr. Osborn on March 2, 2006. Chairman Sisk informed members that a resolution in memory of Mr. Gilliam and Mr. Osborn was in their folders, and asked them to review the resolutions. Chairman Sisk called for a motion to adopt each resolution. Separate motions were made and seconded to adopt the resolutions, and the resolutions were adopted. Chairman Sisk announced that a copy would be forwarded to Mrs. Gilliam and Mrs. Osborn.
Chairman Sisk introduced the new members of the Commission, who had been appointed for the two year term, 2006-07:
Ms. Peggy Chadwick, nominated by the Bluegrass Area Development District;
Mr. Al Culver, nominated by AARP;
Ms. Maxine Cummins, nominated by the Buffalo Trace Area Development District;
Mr. Bobby Hazen, nominated by the Joint Executive Council of Veterans Organizations of Kentucky;
Mr. Jim Heth, nominated by the Bluegrass Area Development District;
Ms. Lee King, nominated by the Purchase Area Development District;
Ms. Nancy Linville, nominated by the Buffalo Trace Area Development District;
Mr. Jack Niece, nominated by the Kentucky River Area Development District;
Mrs. Vivian Niece, nominated by the Kentucky River Area Development District;
Mr. John Schreiber, nominated by the Bluegrass Area Development District;
Mr. Paul Steenbergen, nominated by the Lincoln Trail Area Development District;
Mr. Randall Wells nominated by the Gateway Area Development District;
Ms. Bettie Weyler, nominated by the KIPDA Area Development District; and
Mr. Ken Willis, nominated by the Kentucky Retired Teachers Association.
Chairman Sisk recognized Mr. Laurel True, Commission Vice Chair, to give a report on actions taken during the 2006 Session of the General Assembly. Mr. True informed members that there was a handout in their folders that listed the recommendations of the Commission submitted to the General Assembly in November 2006 and corresponding legislative actions during the 2006 Session of the General Assembly. Mr. True reviewed the recommendations which were included in the proposed legislation and reported the progress of the legislation.
Mr. True moved to the next item of the Commission’s agenda, and asked members to complete a survey form that was in their folders. He explained to members that the document would be used to measure their response to the Commission’s legislative advocacy initiatives taken in 2005. He asked members to complete the survey and return it to the staff.
Prior to Mr. True returning the podium to Chairman Sisk, he asked members that had e-mail addresses to fill out the cards on the tables with their name and e-mail address. He informed members that the e-mail addresses would be added to the Commission’s membership lists to better enable members and staff to communicate.
Chairman Sisk recognized Mr. Dutton to conduct the elections for Commission Chair and Vice Chair for the 2006-07 interim. Mr. Dutton informed members that candidate biographical sketches of the members who had been nominated for each position were in their folders. He stated that nominations would be accepted from the floor for both positions, and that the elections would be held separately.
Mr. Dutton thanked the Nominating Committee for their work and then read the names of those members nominated for Commission Chair. Mr. Dutton asked if there were nominations from the floor. There being none, Mr. Dutton closed the nominations from the floor and asked staff to pass out ballots. After the ballots were collected for the position of Commission Chair, Mr. Dutton opened the floor for nominations for Commission Vice Chair. While the floor was open for nominations for Commission Vice Chair a member asked if at future meetings, the winner of the Commission Chair position could be announced prior to nominations being accepted from the floor for the office of Commission Vice Chair. Mr. Dutton stated that the staff would keep that in mind for future elections. There being no nominations for Commission Vice Chair, Mr. Dutton closed the nominations from the floor and asked staff to pass out ballots. Mr. Dutton said that the results of the elections for the two positions would be announced prior to the close of the afternoon session.
Following the elections Mr. Dutton announced procedures for the Subcommittee and the Regional Coordinating Committee meetings, discussed some housekeeping items, and made several announcements. After the announcements Mr. Dutton informed members that Mr. Laurel True had been elected Commission Chair and Mrs. Lillian Rice had been elected Commission Vice Chair.
Chairman Sisk congratulated the newly elected officers and asked members to consult their agenda for the location of their Subcommittee meetings. Chairman Sisk adjourned the opening general session to allow the Regional Coordinating Committees and Subcommittees to convene.
Chairman Sisk convened the dinner session and welcomed everyone and their guests. Chairman Sisk gave the invocation and introduced those seated at the head table: Mr. Fred Smith, outgoing Chair of the Nominating Committee; Mrs. Jo Nell Lee, wife of Representative Jimmie Lee; Greg Stumbo, Attorney General; Laurel True, outgoing Vice Chair of the Commission and newly elected Chair of the Commission; Mr. Gilmore Dutton, Commission Staff Coordinator; Mrs. Lillian Rice, newly elected Vice Chair of the Commission; and Representative Jimmie Lee. After dinner Chairman Sisk recognized Mr. True for a special introduction.
Mr. True informed members that Representative Jimmie Lee was vital in helping secure the additional funding received by the Division of Aging Services, Department for Human Support Services, Cabinet for Health and Family Services for senior programs for fiscal years 2006-07 and 2007-08. The monies were earmarked for direct services to senior citizens, and none may be used for administrative expenses. Mr. True recited some memorable events leading up to Representative Lee’s election to the Kentucky House of Representatives in 1993, and cited a number of his more significant accomplishments as a legislator. Mr. True and Chairman Sisk presented Representative Lee with a table clock in appreciation for his service to the senior citizens of the Commonwealth.
Chairman Sisk then asked Mr. Dutton for the introduction of the legislative hosts for the evening. Representing the legislature were Representatives Derrick Graham and Charlie Siler.
Mr. Dutton introduced the newly elected officers for the 2006-07 interim:
Nominating Committee:
Aaron Cardwell,
Phillip Martin,
Pete McNeill,
Denver Moore, and
Lillian Wheeler.
Subcommittee Chairman and Vice Chairman:
Consumer Affairs Chairman, Mr. Bill Harned;
Consumer Affairs Vice Chairman, Joan Veazey;
Health and Human Services Chairman, Ms. Jeane Robertson;
Health and Human Services Vice Chairman, Mr. Ernest Taylor;
Insurance Chairman, Mr. Ed Flanagan;
Insurance Vice Chairman, Ms. Jane Fugate;
Taxation Chairman, Ms. Bertha Daniels;
Taxation Vice Chairman, Mr. Kenneth Overhults;
Transportation Chairman, Mr. Norman Pallarito; and
Transportation Vice Chairman, Mr. Fred Smith.
Commission Chairman, Mr. Laurel True.
Commission Vice Chairman, Mrs. Lillian Rice; and
Attorney General Greg Stumbo, the speaker for the evening, presented Certificates of Appreciation to the outgoing Commission and Subcommittee officers and Nominating Committee members. Mr. Dutton presented a plaque to Mr. Bert Sisk for his service as Chair to the Commission.
Mr. Dutton introduced the speaker for the evening, Mr. Greg Stumbo, Attorney General for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Prior to being Attorney General, Mr. Stumbo began his public service career as Assistant Attorney for Floyd County, Attorney for Martin City, and Trial Commissioner to the Floyd County District Court. In 1980 General Stumbo was elected to the Kentucky House of Representatives and served twelve consecutive terms. In 1985 General Stumbo was first elected as House Majority Floor Leader and served in that capacity for an unprecedented 10 terms. In November of 2003 Mr. Stumbo was elected Attorney General.
General Stumbo thanked the Commission for inviting him to speak. He proceeded to report on how initiatives of the Attorney General’s office faired during the 2006 Session of the General Assembly, and informed members of areas the Office will be pursuing in the future. General Stumbo told members that if House Bill 536 had passed it would have linked Kentucky with a National No Call Registry that is in the process of being created. Mr. Stumbo commented that to date Kentucky’s No Call law had resulted in over 100 citations and approximately $600,000 collected in civil penalties. General Stumbo stated that identity theft is the fastest growing crime in Kentucky and the United States. He added that in the 2007 Session of the General Assembly his office would propose stricter penalties for identity theft, and will also propose allowing a victim of identity theft to receive judicial proof that they were a victim of identity theft. General Stumbo informed members that to date over 600 tips had been received on the Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Tip Line. General Stumbo commented that his office supports the enactment of a national price gouging law. General Stumbo said that he was pleased sex offender legislation had passed during the session, however, in 2007 he would like to see the charge for failure to register be changed from a misdemeanor to a felony. He added he would like to have a better process in place to verify that the information in the registry is correct and up-to-date.
Chairman True thanked General Stumbo for his remarks and wished him luck during the 2007 General Assembly. Chairman True concluded the dinner session with the announcement that the Nominating Committee would meet at 8:00 a.m. the next morning, and that the subcommittees would convene at 8:30 a.m.
Following the conclusion of the subcommittee meetings on Friday, May 12, 2006, Chairman True convened the closing general session at 10:15 a.m.
Chairman True introduced those seated at the head table: Mr. Norman Pallarito, Chairman of the Transportation Subcommittee; Mrs. Bertha Daniels, Chair of the Taxation Subcommittee; Mr. Ed Flanagan, Chair of the Insurance Subcommittee; Mrs. Jeane Robertson, Chair of the Health and Human Services Subcommittee; Mrs. Lillian Rice, Vice Chair of the Commission; Mr. Gilmore Dutton, Commission Staff Coordinator; Mr. Bert Sisk, the Commission’s Immediate Past Chair; Mrs. Joan Veazey, Vice Chair of the Consumer Affairs Subcommittee; and Mr. Mark Birdwhistell, Secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Chairman True then introduced Mr. Mark Birdwhistell, the speaker for the morning.
Secretary Birdwhistell informed the Commission that the Cabinet faired well during the 2006 Session of the General Assembly. He said that the Cabinet received an additional $3.5 million in 2007 and $4 million in 2008 to be used for senior citizen programs. He added that the money has been earmarked for direct services to senior citizens, and that none may be used for administrative expenses. Secretary Birdwhistell stated that the Cabinet also received $1.25 million for the Kentucky Caregiver Grandparents Program. He added that Representative Jimmie Lee was the biggest advocate for the programs and appropriations. Secretary Birdwhistell informed members that the Cabinet will “...build on this momentum, and be stewards of the dollar.” Secretary Birdwhistell stated that the Cabinet would continue working on defining the problems experienced by individuals with obesity, and would determine the relationship of obesity with quality of life. He added that other health areas the Cabinet is focusing on are asthma and diabetes. Overall the Cabinet will be looking at the broader perspective relating to social issues and home environments in order to help people become healthier.
Secretary Birdwhistell touched on areas that the Cabinet would be focusing on over the next few months. The areas included aging services, information technology, education and training for caregivers, and a building capacity to allow the communities to be prepared. Secretary Birdwhistell informed members of a pilot program in Northern Kentucky, an Aging and Disability Resource Center. He explained that the center is essentially a one-stop shop for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. The Cabinet wants to create more of these centers throughout the state for these citizens to receive services and have access to care. The centers are designed to be simple, explainable, and a place to educate citizens. Secretary Birdwhistell said the Cabinet plans to implement more information technology in senior centers. The Cabinet’s goal is to be able to get information out to everyone, allow paperwork to be accessed on-line, and to have systems interfacing and sharing with one another. Secretary Birdwhistell stated that the Cabinet wants to provide support for senior citizens and help educate them and their families on how to balance everything going on in their lives. Secretary Birdwhistell informed members that the Cabinet’s goal of a building capacity focuses on completing a comprehensive study that will determine where Kentucky currently stands, namely, what are Kentucky’s problems, which services are currently available, and what else is needed. He added that the University of Kentucky is working with Bill Cooper, Director, Department for Aging Services, Cabinet for Health and Family Services, to complete this study. Secretary Birdwhistell informed members that Kentucky is currently ranked 28th in the nation with a population density for people over the age of 60. He added that at the current rate Kentucky will be ranked 12th in 2025. He stressed that Kentucky needs to plan ahead and be prepared for the future.
Secretary Birdwhistell concluded his comments with an update on the Cabinet’s accomplishment on modernizing the Medicaid system. The system is designed to have more flexibility, and is no longer the one-size-fits all program. Kentucky is now considered a flagship state in developing the Medicaid reform initiative.
After a brief question and answer period Chairman True thanked Secretary Birdwhistell for participating in the Commission’s program and providing valuable information on the progress of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
Chairman True announced the Coordinators selected for each Regional Coordinating Committee, as follows:
Barren River Regional Coordinating Committee - Ms. Joyce Bruce;
Big Sandy Regional Coordinating Committee - Ms. Lillian Wheeler;
Bluegrass Regional Coordinating Committee - Mr. Aaron Cardwell;
Buffalo Trace Regional Coordinating Committee - Mr. Pete McNeill;
Cumberland Valley Regional Coordinating Committee - Ms. Jean Phelps;
FIVCO Regional Coordinating Committee - Mr. Douglas Cole;
Gateway Regional Coordinating Committee - Mr. Finnell Fields;
Green River Regional Coordinating Committee - Ms. Mary Barlow;
Kentucky River Regional Coordinating Committee - Mr. Argene Jones;
KIPDA Regional Coordinating Committee - Mr. Norman Pallarito;
Lake Cumberland Regional Coordinating Committee - Mr. Claude Tiller;
Lincoln Trail Regional Coordinating Committee - Mr. Fred Smith;
Northern Kentucky Regional Coordinating Committee - Ms. Mabel Ballinger;
Pennyrile Regional Coordinating Committee - Ms. Martha Smith; and
Purchase Regional Coordinating Committee - Ms. Lee King.
The officers elected by the Nominating Committee were announced as follows:
Mr. Pete McNeill, Chair;
Mr. Denver Moore, Vice Chair; and
Ms. Lillian Wheeler, Secretary.
Chairman True introduced each of the Subcommittee spokesmen who, in turn, presented their subcommittee’s report for adoption by the full membership. The Commission adopted the following subcommittee reports.
Subcommittee on Consumer Affairs
(Reported by Joan Veazey, Subcommittee Vice Chair)
The Consumer Affairs Subcommittee on Thursday afternoon held a discussion with Bill Cooper, Director, Department of Aging Services, Cabinet for Health and Family Services, regarding the additional funds appropriated for senior citizen programs. He expressed concern about increased fuel costs for delivering meals, and transportation in general.
The Subcommittee heard a presentation by Dr. Eugene Foster on Friday morning. Dr. Foster is the Undersecretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. He discussed the existing elder abuse law, 2005 House Bill 298. Dr. Foster informed the Subcommittee that this legislation includes unfunded mandates. He also gave the members details regarding activities, contributions, and developing a model program.
The Subcommittee next heard from Mary Ellen Mynear, Litigation Branch Manager of the Office of Attorney General, who spoke about restricting the percentage of donations going to fundraisers. She informed members that the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that this cannot be regulated, but added that several states have attempted to create limitations.
The Subcommittee’s last speaker was Mr. Harold Turner, who updated the members on the current Payday Loan Law in KRS Chapter 368. He informed members that the law states that the loaner must ask if the borrower has other loans for $500 or more. He added that interest for a Payday loan can be as high as 459% for a fourteen-day loan.
Mrs. Veazey announced that the Subcommittee had adopted the following recommendation:
1) That the General Assembly properly fund Aging Services and encourage the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to implement 2005 House Bill 298.
A motion to adopt the Subcommittee’s recommendation was made and seconded, and passed on a voice vote.
Subcommittee on Health and Human Services
(Reported by Ms. Jeane Robertson, Subcommittee Chair)
The Health and Human Services Subcommittee focused on the following three areas during its Thursday meeting:
1) Health legislation addressed during the 2006 Kentucky General Assembly and upcoming health issues facing the Interim Joint Committee on Health and Welfare, which was provided by state Representative Tom Burch;
2) Consumer access to health care outcome and cost information in hospitals and other health facilities, which was provided by Chris Corbin from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services; and
3) Issues facing Kentucky’s long-term care environment, which were provided by Kentucky’s long-term care ombudsman and an advocate for nursing home reform.
Ms. Robertson announced that the Subcommittee had adopted the following recommendations:
1) Include missing or absent adults who are under the care of another person within the provisions of the Kentucky Amber Alert System, which will identify the missing adult by having a “Golden Alert”;
2) Require 24 hours of annual geriatric training, which would include dementia care training, for employees of licensed or certified facilities that provide care to seniors; and
3) Recommend that the General Assembly continue to increase funding for Area Agencies on Aging to support senior programs.
A motion to adopt the Subcommittee’s recommendations was made and seconded, and passed on a voice vote.
Subcommittee on Insurance
(Reported by Mr. Ed Flanagan, Subcommittee Chair)
The Insurance Subcommittee heard testimony from Mr. Tracy Bertram, Director, Property and Casualty Division, Office of Insurance. Mr. Bertram updated the Subcommittee on auto insurance. He also distributed copies of a “Consumer Guide to Auto and Home Insurance” published by the Office of Insurance. Mr. Bertram informed members that there is a Consumer Protection Division within the Office of Insurance that citizens may contact if they are unsure of or uncomfortable with information received from insurance companies.
The Subcommittee also heard from Mr. Don Shields, a representative of the Health and Insurance Policy Managed Care Division, Office of Insurance. Mr. Shields addressed Medicare prescription drug benefits. He encouraged the members to enroll in the Medicare Part D program prior to May 15, so they would not be penalized if they choose to enroll in the program. He informed the members that if they did enroll for the minimum coverage prior to the deadline, they would have an opportunity to change their coverage during the next enrollment period without any penalties. Mr. Shields noted that currently there is a state statute that allows for only one plan for Medicare for persons disabled under the age of sixty-five, rather than each insurance company required to offer a plan.
Mr. Flanagan announced that the Subcommittee had adopted the following recommendations:
1) That the General Assembly enact legislation:
(a) To require long-term care insurance carriers to submit rate increases to the Attorney General, as well as the Office of Insurance, and to allow intervention by the Attorney General as needed; and
(b) To require, if a long-term care insurance policy is amended, or a carrier requests a rate increase, that the requested change meet the same requirements as a new policy.
2) That the General Assembly amend the “no-fault” auto insurance statutes to delete the provision that any medical bill submitted shall be deemed reasonable, and substitute a provision that reimbursement shall be equivalent to the workers’ compensation medical reimbursement rates.
A motion to adopt the Subcommittees recommendations was made and seconded, and passed on a voice vote.
Subcommittee on Taxation
(Reported by Ms. Bertha Daniels, Subcommittee Chair)
The Taxation Subcommittee heard testimony from Mr. Tom Crawford and Mr. Phil Yancey, both with the Department of Revenue. The two discussed the current procedure of collecting property tax once a year and the advantages and disadvantages of allowing installment payments when the local sheriff’s offices depend on the collection of fees to fund their offices.
The Subcommittee received an update from Charlotte Quarles, Subcommittee staff, on the recommendation regarding tax credits for those who care for the elderly. Ms. Quarles informed members that legislation was introduced in the 2006 General Assembly by Representative Carolyn Belcher, however, the legislation failed of passage.
Ms. Daniels announced that the Subcommittee had adopted the following recommendations:
1) That the General Assembly enact legislation providing an individual income tax credit to those who care for the elderly in the elder person’s home or in the caregiver’s home; and
2) That the General Assembly should require LRC to perform a study of the current property tax collection process by the sheriffs to determine if it is feasible for the property tax to be paid semi-annually by those persons who have been granted a homestead exemption or who are unable to pay the amount in full.
The Taxation Subcommittee also requested that the Transportation Subcommittee review the following recommendations at the next meeting:
1) That the General Assembly enact legislation requiring all-terrain vehicles to be licensed; and
2) That the General Assembly enact legislation requiring all operators of all-terrain vehicles to have a valid driver’s license.
A motion to adopt the Subcommittee’s recommendations was made and seconded, and passed on a voice vote.
Subcommittee on Transportation
(Reported by Mr. Norman Pallarito, Subcommittee Chair)
The Transportation Subcommittee held a discussion with Mr. Pallarito regarding transportation and mobility for senior citizens in livable communities. He stated that the U.S. Census estimates that the number of individuals age 50-64 will increase by 21% between now and the year 2020. He added that the number of individuals over 65 will increase 33%, while individuals under 50 will only increase by 4%. Mr. Pallarito stressed that housing, mobility, and usable transportation systems are becoming more vital each year for senior citizens.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from Mr. Beecher Hudson on public transportation in Kentucky. Mr. Hudson said that the Kentucky Public Transit Authority was established in 1981, and has over 100 transportation systems and vendors serving Kentucky’s transportation industry. Mr. Hudson stated that the Authority’s 2006 legislative agenda was:
1) That the state match all federal funds for transit programs;
2) To maintain the existing Human Service Transportation Delivery Program; and
3) To support a dedicated funding source for capital and operating funds for public transit.
The Subcommittee discussed with staff fourteen legislative issues passed by the 2006 General Assembly. The main pieces of legislation discussed were the primary seat belt legislation, graduated driver’s licenses for teenagers, and appropriated funds for public transportation.
Mr. Pallarito announced that the Subcommittee had adopted the following recommendations:
1) That the General Assembly increase state funding for Area Agencies on Aging to support Senior Programs by at least 20 percent for each year of the 2008-10 biennium;
2) That the General Assembly enact legislation to prohibit the use of hand-held communication devices while operating a vehicle; and
3) That the General Assembly appropriate sufficient funds to ensure available federal matching funds for use in the state’s public transportation programs.
A motion to adopt the Subcommittee’s recommendations was made and seconded, and passed on a voice vote.
The Subcommittee reports having been given and adopted, Chairman True announced that the next semiannual meeting will be held on November 2-3, 2006, and, there being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.